Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2007-08: Michael Stone played his second straight season with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. Collected 35 points, (10 goals, 25 assists) in 71 games played, all career highs in the WHL. Earned the reputation for being a consistent, smart, and unruffled rearguard.

2008-09: In his third season with the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Stone almost doubled his career high in points, scoring 19 goals and 42 assist on the way to 61 points. He also improved his plus/minus dramatically, posting a +43 in 69 games. In the playoffs, Stone picked up 13 points in 18 games.

2009-10: Stone continued his torrid pace in his fourth season with the Calgary Hitmen (WHL). In 69 games the defender tallied 65 points. His plus/minus took a hit, dropping to a +4, but Stone set career highs in goals, with 21, and assists, with 44. Stone added 20 points in 25 playoff games. He signed an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) and is expected to turn pro in 2010-2011, playing with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

2010-11: Stone skated in 70 of 80 games for the AHL's San Antonio Rampage in his first pro season. One of three rookie defensemen to play a significant role for the Rampage, he was -5 with 2 goals and 11 assists and had 27 PMs. The Rampage finished four points out of a playoff spot in the AHL's competitive West Division.

2011-12: Stone made his NHL debut in February 2012, appearing in 12 regular season games and two playoff contests with the Coyotes after being re-called from AHL Portland. He scored 1 goal with 2 assists and was plus-seven with 2 penalty minutes' averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time during the regular season. Both of his playoff appearances came during the Coyotes second round series with Los Angeles; he was minus-two with no points or penalty minutes, averaging 11 minutes of ice time against the Kings. In 51 games with the AHL's Pirates he scored 9 goals with 13 assists and was plus-two with 24 penalty minutes. Portland finished third in the Atlantic Division; missing the playoffs by two points.

2012-13: Stone appeared in 40 games with Phoenix in his third pro season and skated for the Coyotes' AHL affiliate in Portland. He scored 5 goals with 4 assists and was +2 with 16 penalty minutes; averaging 16:45 minutes of ice time with Phoenix. Stone played 36 AHL regular season games, scoring 6 goals with 22 assists, and was +8 with 20 penalty minutes. The Pirates finished second in the Atlantic Division and were swept by Eastern Conference champion Syracuse in the first round. Stone played in the final game of the series and was -1 with 1 assist and 4 penalty minutes in Portland's second 4-3 overtime loss against the Crunch. He signed a three-year contract with the Coyotes as a restricted free agent in July, 2013.

Talent Analysis

A smart two-way defender with good size and reach, Stone is a composed player at both ends of the rink. He is a strong puck-mover who makes a crisp first pass and can move the puck smartly and quickly up the ice. Keeps it simple in his own end relying on good positional and stick play.

Future

Stone played almost a full season with Phoenix in 2012-13, and moving forward he should be considered a lock for at least a seventh or eighth defenseman spot in the NHL.

Photo: Rookie pro Lucas Lessio broke camp with the Coyotes but was assigned to AHL Portland after three NHL games (courtesy of Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Phoenix Coyotes may have the most unbalanced prospect pool in the league. On defense, they have more legitimate players than places to put them. At forward, they may be forced to convert their young centers to address the scarcity of talent on both wings.

Photo: Coming off a strong rookie season for AHL Portland, defenseman Brandon Gormley remains the top prospect in the Coyotes organization (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI)

In 1995, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tie Domi knocked New York Rangers defenseman Ulf Samuelsson unconscious with a sucker punch that is still considered one of the dirtiest plays in recent NHL history. This year, their sons could be the ones connecting, on scoring plays rather than right hooks.

Photo: Rookie goaltender Mark Visentin, the Coyotes 27th overall pick in 2010, appeared in 30 games for the AHL’s Portland Pirates in 2012-13 (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI)

For the first time in four seasons, the Phoenix Coyotes missed the playoffs. After having their most successful postseason in franchise history, the Coyotes struggled to string wins together until it was too late. With a slew of young defensemen looking to make the jump to the next level, the Coyotes are in a position where a good forward can fall right into their laps at the 12th pick.

The Phoenix Coyotes prospect pool is loaded with players who are already playing professional hockey. Most of these players are playing for the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate team, the Portland Pirates. With the Pirates recently clinching a playoff spot, these prospects will gain valuable post-season experience early on in their careers.

Photo: Mikkel Boedker, the Coyotes' eighth overall pick in 2008, currently leads the team with 18 points through 26 games so far this season (courtesy of Chris Pondy/Icon SMI)

For the third consecutive year, the Phoenix Coyotes drafted in the top 10 picks in 2008. The Coyotes now have two players from the 2008 draft who are making the most of their opportunities in the NHL, while a couple more are finding their way at the AHL level.